Ellen Johnson

Stoughton - Ellen Veronica Johnson (nee Steinhauer) passed away peacefully on February 16, 2015 at the Nazareth House in Stoughton, Wisconsin at the age 96.

Ellen was born in Fitchburg, WI on February 27, 1918 to Irvin Arthur and Ellen Nell (Byrnes) Steinhauer. The family farmed in the Bosco and area communities. Ellen and her three sisters performed as a musical singing group at various functions including the WLS Radio Barn Dance. This talented group was known as the "Steinhauer" Sisters'.

While working at the Stoughton Hospital in the kitchen, she met Elwood Norman Johnson who delivered bottled milk to the site. They were married shortly before Elwood was deployed by the U.S. Navy to serve in World War II in October 1941.

Ellen was employed by various businesses including the Stoughton Shoe Factory, IKI Manufacturing, head housekeeper for the Norse Chalet Motel and volunteered for many years at the Stoughton Senior Center.

Her love of travel took her many places with the Weekender's group including destinations such as Alaska, Nova Scotia and Branson, Missouri. Her travel companion and good friend, Pat joined her for many of these adventures.

She is survived by her daughter, Barbara (Leroy) Jacobson, grandchildren Scott (Pam) Johnson, Peggy (Joe) Hanson, Bobbi Jo Hammersly, Kim (David) Stapelfeldt, Nadene (Ty) Holland, Tom (Amy) Jacobson, Katie Jansen and Molly Jansen. She was blessed with many great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. She is also survived by her sister, Dorothy Freitag. She is proceeded in death by two brothers (William, Vincent), two sisters (Teresa, Ann) her husband, Elwood, children Ronald and Teresa.

Special thanks to nurses and staff at the Nazareth House, especially registered nurse Mindy and the loving care and support of Agrace Hospice Care.

Visitation will be held Saturday, February 21 from 9:30 - 11 am at St. Ann's Catholic Church, 323 N. Van Buren St., in Stoughton with a funeral mass immediately following. A lunch and celebration of Ellen's life will be held at the VFW Post #328 in Stoughton following the burial.

"My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest, remembering all how I truly was blessed" - Grandma Johnson